Gadchiroli Police in Maharashtra have destroyed a Maoist arms-manufacturing unit and seized equipment and materials allegedly hidden underground in a forest area of the district during a special anti-Naxal operation, officials said on Friday. The operation was carried out based on confidential information received from surrendered Maoists during interrogation under Operation ‘Antim Prahar’. According to the police, Maoists used to secretly bury weapons, explosives, and related materials in forest areas to target security personnel during various Naxal observances, election periods, and other operations. Officials said the hidden stockpile was intended for use in sabotage activities against security forces. Police said Maoist influence in Gadchiroli district has significantly weakened and efforts are underway to trace and destroy materials concealed in forest areas. Officials said the surrendered Maoists, who laid down arms before the Gadchiroli Police on May 16, revealed during questioning that weapons manufacturing equipment and other materials had been hidden in the forest area under the Pomke Binagunda limits. Following the inputs, six joint teams of the Gadchiroli and Pranhita special operation squads along with …